The most common people in wrestling to get the spotlight are of course, the superstars. However, many people don’t pay attention to another important part of the event – the referee. The role of the WWE or any wrestling referee involves more than the average person may think.
Wikipedia states, “The kayfabe purpose of a pro wrestling referee is to render decisions (pinfalls, submissions, disqualifications, count outs) during a match, but the legit purpose they serve is to transmit messages to wrestlers about the progress of matches, communicate with them about the amount of time left (plus the beginning and end of commercial breaks on live broadcasts), and, if necessary, help them gauge the crowd reaction as well as reminding them of match script. They also have a key role in ensuring that the wrestlers are physically capable to continue, and to stop the match / inform the opponent if there is a risk of injury present. Presently, referees wear wireless earpieces, to allow backstage officials to communicate with them during matches.”
While attending live events, including one front row, I have noticed referees working as part of the ring crew in order to set up for each match. Another famous role of the referee is being distracted or kayfabe injured in order to allow some controversy, such as another person interfering in the match. Special guest referees have also played a huge part in matches ending in controversy. In fact, many times, the special guest referee is chosen by one side involved in the match.
There have been a number of storylines directly involving referees in WWE, most notably when they went on strike. In September 1999, the referees decided to go on strike after getting fed up with being attacked by superstars. Other WWE employees such as Harvey Wippleman, Tom Prichard and Jim Korderas (the only referee to did not go on strike) acted as substitute referees.
On Twitter, a new account @WWERefereesFansite conducted a poll to see who the most popular referee was. Brian Hebner, Nick Patrick, Jimmy Korderas, Teddy Long, Dave Hebner, Jack Doan, Justin King, Rod Zapata, Brian Nguyen and John Cone all received less than nine votes. Tim White received nine votes. We all remember Tim White from the (inappropriate, over the top) segments about him trying to commit suicide after being seriously injured during a match. Earl Hebner was next with 4% of the votes. I was surprised that Earl didn’t receive more as I consider him to be the most famous referee, however he has been through controversy – such as the Hulk Hogan/Andre the Giant match in 1988, the Montreal Screwjob in 1997, and even in TNA recently helping Madison Rayne win matches. Mike Chioda received the next highest amount with 10% of the votes. Chioda has been working for WWE for 20 years, including 15 as a referee. He was the ref when Brock Lesnar superplexed Big Show and the ring collapsed and The Rock vs. John Cena at WMXXVIII. Charles Robinson collected 19% of the votes in the Twitter poll. Robinson is a referee who came to WWE from WCW, where he was a heel referee for the Four Horsemen and others. Chad Patton came in second place for the voting with 20% of the votes. Patton began as a referee for WWE in 2000 and continues today. This brings us to the winner of the WWE referees Twitter poll – Scott Armstrong with 31% of the votes. Armstrong comes from a wrestling family as the son of “Bullet” Bob Armstrong and the brother of “Road Dogg” Jesse James. Scott Armstrong started wrestling in 1983 and began refereeing for WWE in 2006. He was involved in a similar kayfabe controversy as Montreal Screwjob, during a match with CM Punk and the Undertaker.
What do you think about the role and effect of referees? Who are some of your favorite referees?